Pheromone-Assisted Control of Ecto-parasites: an alternative to the management of the invasive cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus

Project team: C.M. Adoligbe, S.N, Yefanova, B.S. Poda, R.E. Yessinou, A. Djenontin

The expansion of the cattle tick R. microplus into developing countries and the related economic losses, the occurrence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments, the negative environmental impact of the use of chemical substances, as well as the potential of acaricide residues in food have created a great interest in developing new tick control alternatives. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop an eco-friendly pheromone-plant-derived compounds traps for the management of R. microplus in the tropical and sub-tropical areas.  In order to achieve the objectives of the project, pheromones will be extracted from R. microplus individuals (liquid and head-space extractions) and analysed using GC-MS, GC-EAG and olfactometry methods. Essential oils and hydroethanolic extracts will be obtained from selected local plants with proven acaricidal properties using hydro-distillation and water-ethanol mixtures respectively and then analysed using GC-MS. The additive effect of pheromones (attractant) and essential oil/ plant extracts (acaricide) will be tested in vitro on different stages of ticks using impregnated vapour patches. Finally, the most efficient combination of both compounds will be utilized to design and test in field condition different tick traps made of locally available materials.

Apart from the benefit of being environment and human health protective, this innovative tool is expected to be more cost-effective in tick management compared with conventional methods. The project will also provide training for graduate students (4 MSc and 1 PhD) and cattle farmers.